cv59_16final

Issue no 59

N E W S

A N D

K E Y

I S S U E S

F O R

T H E

C I T Y

O F

L O N D O N

April 2007

cityview www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

CITY COMMUTING

21st century solutions

SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE BUYING

LORD MAYOR OVERSEAS

Fair enough

International exchange

2 C I T Y V I E W

cityviewmagazine Welcome to cityviewmagazine

C O N T E N T S P E R F O R M A N C E

A S S E S S M E N T

Four star rating for City T H E

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cityview is the magazine of the City of London Corporation, provider of local government services for the Square Mile.

I N T E R V I E W

Broad church for the banking community C I T Y

4

E V E N T S

Tour de Square Mile C I T Y

6

E V E N T S

The French connection S U S T A I N A B L E

7

C I T Y

Square deal from the Square Mile C I T Y

T R A N S P O R T

All change please L O R D

10

M A Y O R

Overseas audience for Lord Mayor’s programme A R T S

N E W S

14

F O C U S

Finnish beginnings for modernist designs I N

The magazine is available to download from www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/cityview. If you would like a summary of this publication in your language or in an alternative format such as large print, Braille or audio tape, please contact us at

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F O C U S

If you can’t stand the heat…

A R T S

8

Unless otherwise stated in individual features, more information on both the magazine and online articles is available from the Public Relations Office address below.

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The Public Relations Office City of London PO Box 270 Guildhall London EC2P 2EJ

B R I E F

...and finally

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C I T Y V I E W 3 P E R F O R M A N C E

A S S E S S M E N T

Four star rating for City The City of London Corporation has retained its top-grade status in the latest Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) and is rated as ‘improving strongly’.

CPA is carried out by the Audit Commission among the local authorities of England. The City Corporation was one of only 10 authorities to gain a four star rating for performance and be rated as improving strongly (equivalent to four out of four) for ‘direction of travel’.

In its summary of the City’s performance the Audit Commission stated: “The City remains focused on the challenges it faces to maintain its improvement agenda from this high baseline and to further improve value for money.”

The CPA looked at how the City Corporation manages its finances and provides value for money but also looked at its main services from a local authority perspective covering benefits, children and young people, culture, environment, housing and social care (adults).

The CPA results follow those of the residents’ satisfaction survey – which feed into the CPA score – which showed that 79% of City residents are satisfied with how the City Corporation performs.

Michael Snyder, the City’s Chairman of Policy & Resources, believes that the CPA score is excellent news “but, because of its methodology, is only one of a number of assessments that have to be taken together to get a fuller indication of satisfaction with our services. CPA concentrates on what could be termed ‘resident-focused’services.

“The three yearly MORI survey [see the last issue of cityview] and this September’s Corporate Assessment focus on areas beyond just local government services and take into account our promotion and support of the Business City and the extra services we provide for the benefit of London and the wider nation.”

More information www.audit-commission.gov.uk/cpa

O N L I N E

O N L I N E

cityviewmagazine

liverylivedigest

March Advice group

December EU and me

Net gain

The Glaziers Company has

City unveils advisory council

Slovakian and Slovenian high

Unveiling London’s place in the

appointed Alex Galloway as its

in India

fliers arrive in City for placements

UK Economy

new Clerk. 020 7403 6652

How was it for you?

Resident Satisfaction Survey results announced

SureStart in life

January Court in the act Business court comes to the City

February East is east Green light for City’s India Office

Bringing it to the streets

Top marks City Adult Social Services get top rating

Building a brighter future

info@worshipfulglaziers.com

Cass Nursery gives children a

www.worshipfulglaziers.com

SureStart

Partners in time

The Salters' Company

City Fringe celebrates 10 year

flagship charity, The Salters'

anniversary

Institute, has announced the winners of its annual awards.

020 7628 5962

City begins three new recycling

City Academy scoops building

publicity@salters.co.uk

initiatives

award

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www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/liverylive

4 C I T Y V I E W

T H E I N T E R V I E W

Peter Riddell of The Times talks to Angela Knight, Chief Executive of the British Bankers' Association

Broad church for the banking community Angela Knight – who formally took over as chief executive of the British Bankers’ Association on 1 April – is already one of the highest profile women in the City.

She has had three or four careers – depending, she says, on how you add them up. She ran an engineering company in Rotherham, served on Sheffield council,was an MP from 1992 until 1997, served as Economic Secretary to the Treasury for two years covering City matters, and was chief executive of the Association of Private Client Investment Managers and Stockbrokers (APCIMS) for nine years up to last year.

This diverse background came in useful when she lost her Commons seat in the Conservative rout of 1997.

Some people were suspicious: she was a Tory and had been a member of one of the most unpopular governments of recent times.Was she really planning to try and get back into the Commons? She decided definitely not to stand again within two weeks of the 1997 election and to commit herself to finding another job.

The fact that she had been in the Commons for only five years probably helped since she had“not forgotten what real life is like”. So APCIMS took a chance. She is still occasionally asked about whether

The BBA is much more than a voice of the old high street banks.

Some 60 countries are represented amongst its members. It does not matter, she says, which nationality a bank is, since all operate under the same UK requirements.

she is planning to go back to politics. And one former ministerial colleague even remarked, with surprise, that she had a“proper job”.

Her political contacts, and time as City minister, have helped her in dealings with Government. She praises the activism of Ed Balls and says the Government listens more than it was doing.The role of the City minister is to determine what issues to air. In general, the job is less to do with legislation than with coordination, and building links, particularly over international and European regulatory issues.

The City minister, she argues, should be“someone who is on his way up with access and who carries political weight”. It is not about saying“do this or do that”, but recognising when something is an issue and linking with Government.

Ms Knight is not a passionate feminist but sees her success as part of a generational shift within business, and the City. When she started in industry 30 years ago, there were no women in engineering in executive positions. But there has been a complete change in business over the last five to 10 years and she suggests that, in a further five years, a 50/50 balance of women to men amongst graduate recruits could shift to 60 to 40 in favour of women. Indeed, she worries about young men losing out compared with young women.

Since Ms Knight was appointed BBA chief executive designate last December, her public comments have mostly been about retail banking and complaints about overdraft charges – at least 90 per cent of coverage, she reckons. But the BBA has a much broader range and much of the profits being generated by its members come from their growing wholesale and corporate banking operations.

The BBA is also much more than a voice of the old high street banks. Some 60 countries are represented amongst its members. It does not matter, she says, which nationality a bank is, since all operate under the same UK requirements. Not only is the BBA’s

C I T Y V I E W 5

influence on EU wide decisions.And, she says, that while there have been no problems so far with decisions from the ECB affecting primarily the eurozone countries, she is keeping a close eye on the possibility of Britain being excluded.

Third, she highlights broader regulatory issues outside the EU, notably the Sarbanes Oxley legislation in the USA and similar questions of extraterritoriality. It is very important that the US and Britain work together around issues of mutual recognition and regulation. The USA is, after all, still the biggest banking market in the world. She also looks to the expansion of banking activities elsewhere in the world.The BBA is an active member of the International Banking Federation, providing its secretariat here. It has developed expertise, for example, on anti-money laundering action.

membership global, but so is the range of interests it addresses. She admits that her members have different interests.The powerful American banks have their own voice, but the BBA can act as a“broad church, almost an umbrella both for retail and big wholesale banks”where there are common interests in maintaining competitiveness.

Both the retail and wholesale sides are linked in the BBA’s external representational role dealing with issues such as new clearing arrangements, capital to risk ratios and inter-bank arrangements.

Revealingly, when asked about the three main issues she faces as chief executive – apart from retail banking controversies – Ms Knight lists three international matters.

First, there is the implementation of the EU’s MIFID directive.This presents complicated questions on capital requirements. Second, there are the TARGET 2 proposals on common settlement and payments systems from the European Central Bank.

Incidentally, Ms Knight is relaxed about Britain’s

The BBA works closely with regulators, notably the Financial Services Authority,more now than with the Bank of England, though the latter is still responsible for the broader stability of the financial and banking system.The BBA is also closely involved with both the CBI and City of London Corporation, co-operating in very different roles. She praises the City Corporation for its increased activity, and for facilitating the development of a coherent view on broader questions affecting the interests of financial services and the City - both with Government and with European institutions. She notes the concern of her members with the transport problems of the capital: for instance, when visiting bankers come to London how long it takes them to get in from Heathrow.

So Ms Knight sees a continuing, and very busy, role for a trade association in ensuring that its members do not lose out in a fast changing commercial and regulatory scene. London may be the largest financial centre in Europe but it faces constant challenges – and the BBA has to be alert to“what is coming down the line”.

Peter Riddell is Chief Political Commentator of The Times

6 C I T Y V I E W

C I T Y

E V E N T S

Tour de Square Mile One of the biggest sporting events of the year will be coming to the Square Mile in July with the first stage of the Tour de France 2007.

Some of the greatest names in cycle racing will be fighting for the famous Yellow Jersey with London and Kent set as venues for ‘Le Grand Départ’. This follows the tradition of beginning the competition’s first leg somewhere different each year – either France or another country – reinforcing the race’s wide appeal.

The first stage will begin in Westminster on 8 July and enter the City when the riders cross Blackfriars Bridge. They will travel past St Paul’s Cathedral, down Cannon Street and Queen Victoria Street to Bank and then head east towards and over Tower Bridge. With this lengthy route there should be plenty of opportunities for Londoners and visitors to get a prime view of the event for free. In addition to the race, there will be a bicycle stunt display and a bike try-out roadshow, both near St Paul’s.

They will be preceded by the opening ceremony in Trafalgar Square on Friday 6 July and a time trial in central London on Saturday 7 July. For a sneak preview of events, a Tour de France roadshow is also booked for Liverpool Street at lunchtime on 25 May. Those directly affected by road closures or other elements will be contacted directly. Bringing the Tour to London is part of a broader campaign to promote and increase cycling in London.The initial aim is to encourage more Londoners to use cycling as a mode

© ASO - Bruno Bade

of transport and increase the number of people cycling by 80% between the year 2000 and 2010.

The Tour offers opportunities to promote the Square Mile as a visitor destination.This visitor focus links with the One Square Mile publication, the new City Information Centre (due to open late summer) and a web site to be created for visitors (business and tourist).

More information on the Tour de France (or for closure information) 0845 305 1234 www.tourdefrancelondon.com More information on visitor initiatives 0207 332 3099

Dr Bike

national standard cycle training at a heavily subsidised

To encourage further cycling in

rate. Sessions will be held

the Square Mile, the City

reguarly on-street across the

Corporation is laying on a

City throughout May and June.

rolling programme of free bike

In addition, an on-site service

maintenance sessions. Expert

to City businesses can be

mechanics will be on hand to

offered where there is sufficient

give advice and carry out

demand. More information

basic repairs. There will also be

020 7332 1710

an opportunity to sign up for

plans@cityoflondon.gov.uk

C I T Y V I E W 7

C I T Y

E V E N T S

The French connection The Tour de France is not the only

under its conductor Laurence

Berlioz's Requiem with Yan Pascal

‘gallic’ influence coming to

Equilbey. Both bring UK premières

Tortelier and the London

London this summer. The City

of works by leading French

Symphony Orchestra & Chorus.

of London Festival will also have

composers. Non-classical music

Other highlights include a blind

a distinctive French flavour as

includes jazz and world

tasting of fine French music and

part of its ongoing theme of

music, reflecting the cultural

wine in Vintners' Hall, Sir Willard

‘Trading Places’.

richness and diversity in

White (below right) in

France today.

Fishmongers' Hall, paying his

Celebrating links between the

unique vocal tribute to Paul

City and other trading centres

The 2007 Festival also marks the

Robeson, and Heinrich Schiff

around the world, the 2007

200th anniversary of the

(right) playing all six of Bach's

Festival will look to France but will

parliamentary abolition of the

cello suites in two concerts

continue to offer a wide-ranging

slave trade and among the

in West Smithfield. Lovers of

and eclectic programme: music

highlights is a newly

choral and organ music will

of various kinds, opera, literature,

commissioned opera by Julian

find much to enjoy throughout

installations and exhibitions of

Joseph and Mike Phillips. This tells

the Festival, which includes a

visual arts, film screenings,

the story of George Bridgetower,

five-day celebration of French

architecture walks and talks.

son of a slave, who was a violin

choral music.

prodigy, studied with Haydn, It will include many French works,

played with Beethoven and

The Festival's special relationship

old and new, and feature some

settled in London under the

with BBC Radio 3 is marked by a

of the very best performers –

patronage of the Royal Family.

series of concerts in the City's

already established or future

Another remarkable violinist and

historic churches.

stars. Several groups will be

public figure of the 18th century,

making UK debuts, including the

the French musician and soldier

The Festival runs from 25 June to

chamber orchestra Les Siècles

Chevalier de Saint-Georges, was

12 July.

under its conductor Francois-

also the son of a slave and his

Xavier Roth (with its unique

music is represented as well.

presentation of music from across

More information

the centuries, using period and

Two major concerts take place in

0845 120 7502

modern instruments) and the

St Paul's Cathedral: The Soweto

admin@colf.org

chamber choir Accentus

Gospel Choir (below) and

www.colf.org

8 C I T Y V I E W

S U S T A I N A B L E

C I T Y

Square deal from the Square Mile Fairtrade has moved rapidly up the agenda over recent years – becoming increasingly prominent in the marketplace and in the media.

It has now become the preferred choice for socially responsible buyers and for many companies fits into existing Corporate Social Responsibility schemes.

Fairtrade is an independent certification body which guarantees a better deal for farmers and workers in the developing world. Poor market access and unfair trade rules mean that the price many were paid did not cover production of their goods. Fairtrade gives a guaranteed price, regardless of fluctuating markets, meaning farmers can provide for their families and plan and invest for the future.

There are international implications as integrated and environmentally responsible farming (such as conserving forests) is encouraged in the scheme.

A ‘social premium’is also included in the price charged for Fairtrade products which

More information 020 7332 1431 emma.bara@cityoflondon.gov.uk www.sustainable-development.gov.uk www.london-accord.co.uk

goes directly towards the needs of the communities in these developing areas.

The City Corporation sees its involvement in the Fairtrade Campaign as being particularly relevant.

As a major purchaser of goods and services the City, and its stakeholders, can make a significant impact on the supply chain and subsequently to the developing world. In addition, as the organisation that promotes the Square Mile, it has an interest in ensuring these small businesses can play their part in global trade and development – access to markets being a key theme for the business City. Supporting Fairtrade helps achieve these goals and more.

Not only do farmers in developing countries benefit but there are advantages to organisations that

C I T Y V I E W 9

Fair trade is just one of a range of

Work on the latter includes an

devise solutions to these pressing

opened up. The rapid

‘corporate citizenship’

adaptation strategy for the City,

problems, and will enhance

development of the City’s

challenges that have come to

the development of a new

commerce as new markets and

carbon markets is a prime

prominence recently. As the

scheme to encourage businesses

opportunities are identified and

example of this in action.

champion of the world’s leading

to cut carbon emissions and a

international financial and

major research project

business centre, the City of

(co-sponsored by The City

London Corporation is working in

Corporation, BP, Reuters and

partnership with the Square

Zyen Consulting) focussing on the

Mile’s financial community, the

finance of climate change.

Government and other bodies, to address issues as diverse as

The unique concentration of

international development and

talent, enterprise and innovation

climate change.

within the Square Mile can help

Guildhall, Mansion House and other City venues have been exploring with their contractors how to incorporate Fairtrade products into the City Corporation’s work.

support the scheme. Investing in Fairtrade can mean companies making an investment in the countries in which they do business, adding value to their operations, instilling a sense of pride amongst staff (86% of employees expressed a desire for their own companies to be socially and environmentally responsible in a 2005 Ipsos MORI survey) and sending a message to clients about the way they like to do business.

There is strong support for this approach, demonstrated by the presence of companies such as Aviva, KPMG, Sainsburys and Overbury on the City Fairtrade Steering Group. The group organised a business breakfast during Fairtrade Fortnight in February at which the benefits of Fairtrade were explained to Square Mile companies. Those presenting included Erica Kyere, representing a Ghanaian cocoa cooperative, who described the full impact of what Fairtrade can achieve to the City audience (Erica is pictured above second left with Reverend George R. Bush, Chair of the City Fairtrade Steering Group, Charlotte Borger, Head of Communications, Divine Chocolate – hosting and facilitating Erica’s visit – and Chairman of the City’s Policy & Resources Committee Michael Snyder).

Guildhall, Mansion House and other City venues have been exploring with their contractors how to incorporate Fairtrade products into the City Corporation’s work as host to business and community events and in welcoming foreign dignitaries to the UK. As a result, the Ghanaian state delegation was treated to a dinner incorporating a wide-range of Fairtrade ingredients in March.

The City Corporation already has a local procurement policy that ties in with its urban regeneration work. The City knows that the Square Mile cannot prosper in isolation, which is why it works in partnership with neighbouring boroughs to regenerate them for mutual benefit. The local procurement initiative covers not only food but all the City’s activities as part of this effort, before it looks to the UK as whole for additional alternatives.

Fairtrade offers that extra step for sustainable procurement options in keeping with the theme of improving the quality of life of disadvantaged communities.

Such an approach is also in line with the Government’s national action plan on sustainable procurement. In the foreword to the Procuring the Future report Sir Neville Simms, Chairman of the Sustainable Procurement Task Force, writes “Sustainable procurement – in short using procurement to support wider social, economic and environmental objectives, in ways that offer real long-term benefits – is how the public sector should be spending taxpayers’money. Anything less means that today’s taxpayers and the future citizen are both being short-changed.”

Michael Snyder believes that the City’s new Fairtrade policy is in keeping with the overall principles of the organisation.“Because we represent the City we should always be at the forefront of key issues such as sustainable and socially responsible procurement.

By taking the lead in this area, we are setting an example to others and showing how the Square Mile itself can benefit economically while being a good ‘corporate citizen’.”

10 C I T Y V I E W

C I T Y

T R A N S P O R T

All change please Each weekday morning more than 250,000 workers pour into the Square Mile through its railway stations. Transport improvements are always a priority for City workers – whether it is punctuality, carriage numbers, cleanliness or safety. But this year will see the start of major changes that should make the trip into work less stressful for many of them.

Although not responsible for transport itself, the City Corporation has as one of its main aims a commitment to provide everything the Square Mile needs to survive and thrive – including better transport infrastructure. As part of this, the City encourages transport providers to improve their stations and, as a result, exciting proposals for Cannon Street station are due to take shape this summer.

The existing Cannon Street station buildings were built in the 1960s and 1970s. Already considerable congestion occurs during peak periods. Passenger usage is also expected to increase by 22% over the next 10 years, so passenger access and circulation needs to be improved.

The opportunity is being taken to upgrade both the national rail and underground stations as part of the

office redevelopment above the station.

In addition to substantially improving passenger movement and providing more capacity for the future, the new station will be brighter and have modern facilities including new retail areas and a new ticket office. The scheme will also offer full disabled access. The underground station entrances and ticket hall will be substantially improved and step-free access will be provided to west-bound services.

As part of a separate initiative, the City Corporation and London Underground are looking at ways to enable step-free access to the east-bound services.

The station will remain open throughout the construction period and train services should be unaffected. Work is due to be completed in summer 2010.

As if one new station isn’t enough, Blackfriars station is also due to be rebuilt. The plan is to completely remodel this station, lengthening the platforms to accommodate longer trains and extending the station canopy over the bridge, providing an additional station entrance on the South Bank. Blackfriars Underground station will also be rebuilt with wider platforms. In future there will be a single, wider entrance and ticket barrier for the two stations.

There will be escalator and lift access to all platforms

Blackfriars

C I T Y V I E W 11

and the whole station will be brighter with modern facilities.

The £21m improvements to Cannon Street will be funded by an office development The Blackfriars improvements are part of the £3.5bn

During this work the national rail station will mostly remain open, closing only at weekends and for one period of four weeks which will cover weekdays too.

District line trains will continue to run, but for two years the trains will not call at Blackfriars. The date for work beginning has yet to be announced and is dependent on funding.

Thameslink programme Cannon Street has an annual footfall of 17.5m Blackfriars has an annual footfall of 7.8m Cannon Street station opened in 1866, originally fronted by the City Terminus hotel. The towers at the riverside are the only part remaining The first Blackfriars station opened in 1864, located on the South Bank, close to where the

The Blackfriars improvements are part of the Thameslink Programme which now has all the necessary planning permissions and powers. The City Corporation is pressing the Government to commit to funding the scheme. If funding is authorised in the near future, the works in the central area could be completed by 2011, in time for the Olympics. By this date the trains would also be longer, with 12 carriages. By 2015 improvements elsewhere on the network would make the trains more frequent and link Blackfriars and City Thameslink to stations such as Cambridge, Kings Lynn and Peterborough.

new entrance will be The station now called Blackfriars opened in 1886, but was known as St Paul’s until 1937 Cannon Street underground station opened in 1884

Minor improvements can also have a positive impact on people’s journey into work. Whilst not on such a grand scale as the Cannon Street and Blackfriars schemes, there are other more modest improvements underway in the Square Mile.

St Paul’s tube station is currently being modernised

and will benefit from a new CCTV system, help points with induction loops, refurbishment of the wall, ceiling, floor and platform surfaces and installation of tactile paving to help visually impaired people.

Following a suggestion from the City of London Access Group, new ‘tip-up’seats will be installed at Bank station this spring. The platform lighting at City Thameslink will be improved in the near future and a new information system is planned for Liverpool Street to replace the current clapper board. Blackfriars and City Thameslink stations will also have refurbished toilets this year. Discussions are underway to improve Bank station in the longer term.

As regular readers of cityview will know, the City Corporation is continuing to press for the Crossrail project to begin. The east-west rail link would enhance Liverpool Street and Farringdon stations, relieve overcrowding on the underground and build in extra capacity to meet the anticipated population expansion in the Square Mile in the next 10 years.

The City’s Chairman of Policy & Resources Michael Snyder believes that all these schemes, both large and small, are essential to the Square Mile’s position.“We are the leading international financial and business centre and we need a transport system to match.

These projects will encourage more firms to locate in the City and address many of the concerns of workers who are our key asset. We will continue to push for progress on Crossrail because it is essential if London is to keep its competitive edge in financial services.”

Cannon Street More information 020 7332 1710 www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/transport

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L O R D

M A Y O R

Overseas audience for Lord Mayor’s programme There has been a familiar theme developing in Lord Mayors’ visits programmes over the past few years – namely the inclusion of China and India.

They once again form a major part of the visits schedule but this time for Lord Mayor John Stuttard’s year of office. This ties in with visits there by his predecessors, those of Chairman of Policy & Resources Michael Snyder and with the work of the City Corporation’s Economic Development Office in developing links with these growing markets.

The City is always looking to promote its expertise in the raising of capital, insurance, asset management, infrastructure finance and consultancy, and the exchanges of London. As the international ambassador for the Square Mile and UK-based financial services, Alderman Stuttard will be visiting both countries, and others, to reinforce the City’s experience in these areas.

The Lord Mayor’s role, and that of the City of London Corporation as a whole, is to represent the City both at home and abroad. The visits programme is a vital part of this work and alongside general City promotion the Lord Mayor also works to take the City’s message to key decision makers and legislators in the UK and Brussels. He is accompanied on many visits by delegations of senior City business figures – which already included Dr Chris Gibson-Smith, Chairman of the London Stock Exchange, Andre Villeneuve, Chairman of Euronext.LIFFE, and Sir Thomas Harris,Vice Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank.

The high profile visits to China and India build on the representation that has already been established in both countries to keep the momentum going with the business communities there. Representatives are now working on behalf of the City in Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen, and a City Office has been established in Mumbai.

India and China are two of the ‘BRIC’countries

The Lord Mayor’s role, and that of the City of London Corporation as a whole, is to represent the City both at home and abroad. The visits programme is a vital part of this work.

(Brazil, Russia, Indian and China) generally recognised to be those with the largest growth potential, and therefore liable to have the greatest impact in financial services, in the coming years.

Alderman Stuttard will be the first Lord Mayor to visit all four in his year of office but they form only part of his visits schedule – taking in such diverse countries as South Africa, Poland, and Vietnam.

Any Lord Mayor’s year reflects the general direction of the City Corporation and events in the wider business City. It also builds on the individual strengths and experience of the incumbent. 2007 will see Alderman Stuttard visiting countries where there is already a large involvement by the City, such as Kuwait, and others where the Lord Mayor has established links. Finland and China are examples of the latter. Alderman Stuttard has strong contacts

C I T Y V I E W 13

there, having worked extensively in both countries, knowing the key players and having in-depth knowledge of the issues facing each and how the City can respond.

work in Islamic finance (for example in carbon emissions trading or corporate governance) – to ensure a coherent approach to overseas business promotion.

As an example, Qatar, which the Lord Mayor visited in February, is an oil-rich country that wants to shift from exporting its wealth to diversifying its economy and managing more of its own assets.To do this it is exploring ways to be less dependent on its oil and create more enterprise and initiative.The City can advise on such issues as encouraging small businesses and private enterprise, raising private capital and accessing foreign markets.

But as well as the ‘corporate’duties of the role, the Lord Mayor also has the opportunity to promote his own theme for the year. For Alderman Stuttard this has meant promoting the benefits of training and working in the UK and of the benefits of UK professional qualifications and business education.

City of London – City of Learning has become a brand for encouraging people to look to the UK for their expert study – particularly students from the Gulf, India and China where the need for expertise in these sectors is increasing .

2007 visits programme 28 March - 5 April Kazakhstan Russia

The visits are often reciprocal. A meeting at Mansion House in November looked at the future of Kazakhstan and delegates included its President Nursultan Nazarbayev (pictured opposite with the Lord Mayor at Mansion House) along with representatives from key city institutions to discuss possible opportunities in this mineral rich area. By the time this edition of cityview is distributed, the Lord Mayor will have returned the compliment by visiting the cities of Astana and Almaty in Kazakhstan.

The Lord Mayor’s visits are coordinated in collaboration with the Foreign Office, UK Trade & Investment, IFSL and with organisations such as the Securities and Investment Institute – supporting its

Skills abroad Alderman’s Stuttard’s passionate belief in the work of Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) goes beyond just it being one of his chosen charities for the year – it has also tied in with his visits abroad. His trip to Ghana in January gave him the opportunity to see the work done by volunteers there who share their skills to make a practical lasting impact on peoples’ lives. In March he welcomed the Ghanian President to Guildhall, during a state visit, which included many Fairtrade products on the menu as part of a drive to give producers a fairer deal.

16 - 17 April Portugal (EU Pre-Presidency) 20 April - 5 May Southern China Malaysia Vietnam 19 - 27 May India 3 - 8 June Denmark Finland

The Lord Mayor sees this as another area in which the Square Mile is a leading service provider and can offer facilities and expertise that no other financial capital can match covering such subjects as accountancy, asset management, dispute resolution, insurance, property and shipping.

10 - 12 July Poland 23 August - 1 September Brazil 1- 9 October South Africa 13 - 28 October

More information or to express an interest in being

Northern China

involved in one of the Lord Mayor’s visits

Hong Kong

020 7332 3099

Republic of Korea

pro@cityoflondon.gov.uk www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/lordmayor www.cityoflondonlearning.org.uk

14 C I T Y V I E W

A R T S

F O C U S

If you can’t stand the heat…

Samuel Pepys rescuing his bags of gold at 4am in his nightshirt; a woman rescuing an apron full of chickens from the flames and attacked by a mob thinking she was an arsonist carrying fire balls; Robert Hubert, the scapegoat for the fire, hanged before an official enquiry exonerated him.

We may be familiar with facts of the Great Fire of London but what do we know about the people who lived through the terror of having their homes and livelihood destroyed? Focusing on eye-witness accounts, London’s Burning – the Great Fire

The fire began in the early hours

and rebuilt itself. The blame,

of London 1666 is a new

of Sunday 2 September 1666

recriminations and summary

exhibition at the Museum of

and five days later only a fifth of

justices are all here - as are the

London which reveals the

the City remained standing. A

plans for new beginnings,

personal side of the tragedy.

17th century oven matching the

designed by Christopher Wren

likely culprit for the fire’s origin in

and others, rejected for cost

A dramatic video installation

Pudding Lane is on display, next

reasons. But these sit side by side

transports visitors back to the

to the hopelessly ineffectual fire

with moving artistic responses to

streets of 17th Century London

fighting equipment of the day.

the Great Fire, and the legal

and lets them experience how

procedures that were its legacy.

a bustling city, full of merchants,

London’s Burning also tells of a

traders and craft workers,

city’s remarkable survival, how

collapsed into ruins.

London responded to the fire

London’s Burning is now open.

More information www.museumoflondon.org.uk

C I T Y V I E W 15

A R T S

F O C U S

Finnish beginnings for modernist designs “The ultimate goal of the architect… is to create a paradise. Every house, every product of architecture… should be a fruit of our endeavour to build an earthly paradise for people.”

Whether or not you agree with his sentiments, readers can judge for themselves if Finnish architect Alvar Aalto achieved his goals by viewing an exhibition of his work now on display at the Barbican Art Gallery.

Models, drawings, photographs, archive film and artefacts from 14 of his key projects, built mainly in Scandinavia, show how his approach to architecture developed over 60 years.

Aalto is seen as one of the masters of modernism – one of the central figures of 20th century architecture and design. He was as much concerned with the interiors of his buildings as the structure and items such as his famous stacking stool, glassware, light fittings and textiles are also on show (see if you can detect

one can test a variety of new

One person definitely influenced

wall made from paper tubes

echoes of his work in the products

ideas that would be impossible to

by Aalto is leading Japanese

form a key element of the

of certain popular furnishing

apply to the present-day process

designer Shigeru Ban through

exhibition design.

suppliers!).

of mass production. The outcome

whose eyes Aalto’s work is seen in

of these experiments can be

the exhibition. Well known for his

Despite the generation and

Domestic buildings, cultural, civic

more widely applied and

use of materials such as paper

geographical divide between

and religious buildings, industrial

eventually become available for

tubes to create remarkable

the two, this exhibition looks at

estates and urban planning to

everyone.” This statement seems

structures, Ban’s physical work

the themes that link both

furniture, light fittings, glass, textiles

very much in keeping with Aalto’s

does not seem to follow the style

architects and their shared

and jewellery – Aalto’s work

belief that architecture should

of Aalto but his design philosophy

approach to design.

stretched across them all.

defend the ‘little man’ and that

does. Ban’s flowing ceiling and

design could have an important “An individual architectural

psychological effect (seen in his

assignment can serve as a

approach to the Paimio

laboratory for experiments, where

Tuberculosis Sanatorium 1929-33).

Alvar Aalto Through the Eyes of Shigeru Ban is on display at the Barbican Art Gallery until 13 May. More information 0845 1207550 www.barbican.org.uk/gallery

16 C I T Y V I E W

N E W S

I N

B R I E F

...and finally

Future development framework The City of London Corporation is

The City Corporation identified a

looking for your view on subjects

series of issues that the Core

such as transport, shopping,

Strategy should address and

housing, employment and

consulted the City’s diverse

From July 1 smoking in most

heritage that will help it form the

stakeholders in summer last year.

enclosed and partially enclosed

Core Strategy of its future planning

It is now looking for your views on

public premises and workplaces

policies for the Square Mile.

Preferred Options on the topics

A breath of fresh air

(including vehicles) in England will

and a series of focused meetings

be against the law. For the City

The Core Strategy is the first of a

will take place in April-May 2007

this will mean everyone can work,

series of planning documents that

at the City Marketing Suite.

visit and relax in the Square Mile

will together form the City’s Local

free from second-hand smoke.

Development Framework. Other

For further information about this

documents will flow from it and

consultation or to take part in the

This covers offices, shops, pubs,

will contain more detailed

meetings contact us on 020 7332

bars, public transport, taxis and

policies and proposals to put its

1712 or ldf@cityoflondon.gov.uk

work vehicles used by more than

strategy into practice.

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ldf

one person. Indoor smoking rooms will no longer be permitted, with limited exemptions for hotels.

WiFi is go!

Assessment on the agenda

operate no-smoking policies but

This month sees the launch of the

Between 3 and 14 September,

all businesses and employers still

City’s cutting-edge new WiFi

the City of London Corporation

need to check the new

mobility network.

will be visited by a team of

Many City premises already

requirements to ensure that they

inspectors from the Audit

fully comply. The Department of

Operated by The Cloud, the

Commission – which ensures

Health will be sending information

network will offer state of the art

public money is spent wisely to

packs to businesses to prepare

coverage across the Square Mile,

achieve high-quality local

them for compliance and City

enabling the City’s 350,000

services. They will be carrying out

Corporation officers will be

workers and many visitors to stay

a “corporate assessment”

providing additional local advice

connected while out and about.

inspection as part of the CPA

and guidance (including

With broadband speeds and

regime (see page three).

reducing smoke-related litter).

support for internet browsing, VoIP calls, enterprise applications,

The focus will be on how

Going ‘smoke free’ is expected to

media downloading and sharing

effectively the City Corporation is

save thousands of lives over the

(as well as internet gaming on

working corporately and with its

next decade and experience in

devices like the Nintendo DS),

partners, such as the City Police

other countries has shown it can

there’s no shortage of great

and the City and Hackney

be better for business even in

reasons to get online wirelessly.

Primary Care Trust, to improve

the hospitality sector.

services and deliver improved The Cloud’s network enables

outcomes for residents,

More information

users to get online with their

businesses, workers and visitors.

Reducing smoke-related litter

existing service provider (such as

It is expected that the inspectors

020 7606 3110 ext 2212

BT Openzone, O2 and Vonage) or

will be holding focus groups with

Cleansing.streetcleansing@

to choose from flexible, low cost

workers and residents, as well

cityoflondon.gov.uk

tariffs. Just connect to ‘WiFi Zone

as interviewing individuals within

Compliance

– The Cloud’ and open your

the City Corporation and its

0800 169 1697

browser to get online!

partner agencies.

Smoking quitter programmes

More information

More details will follow in the next

for employees rsq.org.uk

www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/wifi

edition of cityview.

www.smokefreeengland.co.uk